Recognizing and Treating Skin Infections Before They Worsen

Skin Infection Treatment in Westchase

Your skin is the shield that protects everything underneath it. But even the smallest break—whether it’s a scratch, bug bite, or razor nick—can give germs a way in. And once they’re in, infections can take hold quickly. What starts off looking like a simple irritation can develop into something that’s swollen, painful, and potentially serious.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we regularly treat patients who initially ignored their symptoms—only to come in days later with pain, fever, or spreading redness. The good news? Most skin infections can be stopped in their tracks if they’re caught early. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek help can make all the difference.

The Trouble Beneath the Surface: What Really Causes Skin Infections

Skin infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites getting under the skin. Some of the most common culprits include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, fungal spores, or viruses like herpes zoster. Most of these organisms are around us every day, but they only cause problems when they break through the skin’s protective barrier.

Here are a few of the most common types of skin infections:

• Bacterial – Often appears as red, swollen, warm, and painful skin. Conditions like cellulitis and impetigo fall under this category.
• Fungal – Usually itchy with a red, scaly appearance. Think athlete’s foot, ringworm, or yeast infections.
• Viral – Includes cold sores, warts, and shingles. These infections are often painful and tend to return over time.
• Parasitic – Less common, but can include lice, scabies, or hookworm-related skin conditions.

Spotting the Red Flags: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not all skin irritations are dangerous, but it’s important to know the difference between a mild issue and one that needs medical attention. If any of these symptoms show up—or seem to be getting worse instead of better—it’s time to take action.

Warning signs of a worsening infection:

• Redness that continues to spread
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• Pus or fluid oozing from the area
• Swelling or warmth in the infected area
• Fever or chills
• Red streaks extending from the area
• A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps growing

If you see red streaks or experience fever, those are signs that the infection may be spreading through the bloodstream. This is called sepsis, and it can become life-threatening very quickly. That’s why early care matters.

Not All Infections Look the Same: Common Skin Infection Types

Each type of infection has its own look, feel, and symptoms. Understanding the differences can help you decide how serious the issue may be—and whether you can wait or need to be seen right away.

Cellulitis

A deep bacterial infection often caused by cuts, bites, or cracked skin. It appears as red, warm, swollen skin and spreads quickly. It’s common on the legs but can show up anywhere.

Impetigo

Usually affects children, but adults can get it too. It causes red sores that rupture, ooze, and form a yellow-brown crust. Highly contagious and needs antibiotic treatment.

Abscesses or Boils

Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin, often caused by infected hair follicles or blocked oil glands. Some need to be drained by a healthcare provider.

Ringworm

Despite the name, it’s a fungus—not a worm. It creates a circular, scaly rash that may itch or burn. Common on the body, scalp, or feet.

Shingles

Caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Presents as a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body or face. Antivirals can reduce the severity if caught early.

How Skin Infections Are Treated: Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection, the severity, and how long it’s been present. The earlier you seek help, the more likely a simple treatment will solve the problem.

Here’s how we approach different skin infections:

• Bacterial Infections: Often treated with oral antibiotics. For more serious cases, IV antibiotics or drainage may be needed.
• Fungal Infections: Treated with topical creams or oral antifungal medication.
  Viral Infections: Antiviral medications may be prescribed for shingles or cold sores.
• Abscesses: If pus has built up, we may need to make a small incision to drain it.

It’s important not to try and pop or drain infections at home, especially abscesses. This can spread the infection or make it worse.

Treat It or Wait? When to Head to Urgent Care

Sometimes it’s tough to know when to stop using home remedies and when to get professional care. Here’s a quick guide:

Seek urgent care if:

• The area is rapidly growing in size
• You develop a fever
• There’s pus or discharge
• Pain is worsening despite over-the-counter treatment
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• The infection is near your eyes, groin, or a joint

You may wait (but monitor closely) if:

• It’s a minor rash with no pain or fever
• Symptoms are improving with over-the-counter creams
• There’s no drainage, swelling, or spreading

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get checked. We can confirm whether it’s bacterial, fungal, or something else—and start treatment right away if needed.

The Westchase Community Has Us Covered

If you’re in the Westchase area and notice any signs of a skin infection, TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is close by and ready to help. Our Westchase Urgent Care center is conveniently located at 11969 Sheldon Rd, Tampa, FL, right near local favorites like Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Wawa, and Publix Super Market at Westchase. Whether you’re heading home from work or grabbing dinner with family, our location is easy to find and open every day for your convenience.

Fast, Friendly Care for Skin Infections in Westchase

When it comes to treating skin infections, fast care is the best care. TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is equipped to evaluate and treat a wide variety of skin conditions before they have a chance to worsen. Our expert medical team can diagnose and start treatment quickly—often in under an hour.

With 20 locations across the Greater Tampa Area, there’s always a TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track nearby. Plus, with our Save My Spot e-Check-in system, you can fill out your forms online and check in before you arrive, making your visit even faster. We’re open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., ready to care for everything from skin infections to everyday injuries and illnesses.

If you’re concerned about an unusual rash, sore, or growing redness, don’t wait. Come see us and let us help you heal—before it becomes something more serious.